Nintendo does not make their Wii HDMI, (High Definition Multi Interface) compatible. In today's market virtually all HDTVs, (High Definition Televisions), are equipped with HDMI. Nintendo engineers usually are one step ahead of technology, but in this case they were one step behind. As usual, technology finds a way to solve these issues. Third party hardware makes adapters which enable HDMI for Wii, via a Wii cable. The adapters pose advantages and problems. The advantages include increased visual quality of Wii games, the ability to connect your Wii to your television, computer or other devices, and the use of only one cord in connecting your console to your television, while the problems include little visual improvement of Wii games and the risk of the adapter producing anomalies in some games.
One advantage of making your Wii HDMI compatible is that it improves the visual quality of games. Some adapters do not improve visual quality, while some do. The problem is that Wii games were not designed with HDMI technology in mind. HDMI was a new technology when Wii was developed and Nintendo engineers were not sure it would take hold. There are Wii HDMI cables available with video upscale processors that improve visual quality of Wii games. If you upgrade, do extra research and buy the best quality adapter on the market.
Another advantage of making your Wii HDMI compatible, via Wii cable, is you can connect your console to modern devices with HDMI technology like your television or your computer. The advantage of being able to connect your console to multiple devices cannot be understated. It increases the fun.
One other advantage is the use of only one cord to connect your console to your television or computer. In today's age of high technology it is almost unheard of to have a big wad of cords leading from one device to another. Buying the adapter prevents this problem.
One disadvantage is a lack of improvement in overall video quality. As stated before, some adapters improve quality, while others do not. The best quality adapters generally improve quality, so do extra research and buy the best adapter.
Another disadvantage is that even with improved quality, often the adapters cause anomalies in certain games. This is a hit or miss problem. The best thing to do about this problem, with games you really love, is keep both cords handy. Generally, it is not too hard to connect and disconnect your console from your television. The real disadvantage is having all the extra cords lying around, cluttering up the place.
Third party Wii HDMI kits make your Wii console HDMI compatible. These kits have advantages as well as disadvantages as discussed above. For serious gamers, HDMI for Wii, via Wii cable adapter provides a necessary improvement in video quality. For casual users, the cord is probably not necessary. Retailers online and at game stores everywhere provide these kits for as little as $25.00 and for as much as $40.00. Buy the best quality adapter to prevent some of the problems associated with the conversion.
The author is an avid gamer and thorough Wii gaming system enthusiast. You can read more about the wide range of Wii accessories, Wii HDMI cables, and other Wii related equipment at WiiAccessories.org.
